How to Act at a Networking Event

Sometimes, the old adage is true:  getting where you want to be isn’t always about WHAT you know, but WHO you know.  And there’s no better way to expand your professional circle than attending a networking event.  In one well-attended gathering, you can connect with more people in 2 hours than you could in a month.  Not the social butterfly?  Here are some tips when you find yourself outside of your comfort zone.

You will need:
Willingness to meet new people

Business cards

Mints or gum

Business-friendly attire

Self-confidence

• Be prepared.  Business cards, contact information, and some form of PDA are excellent ways to give and collect information.   As a back-up, bring pen and paper just in case you need them. 
• Be confident.  Practice your "elevator speech" - a 45 second to 1 minute blurb about yourself and what you do in case you find yourself chatting with a prospective employer or someone you want to impress.
• Be professional.  While networking events are often in bars, bowling alleys, or other laid-back settings, remember why you’re there.  Your off-work appearance reflects as much on your professionalism as anything else.  Dress for the occasion, but keep in mind your motive is expanding your professional network, not necessarily your dating circle. 
• Not comfortable around new people?  Bring a friend to talk to.  Chances are they can help you gain the confidence to speak to someone else, or would be willing to be your ice breaker in meeting others.
• Attend multiple events.  Networking is often not a one-time thing.  Go to more events until you feel familiar with the format and comfortable around other people.   Just like a game, practice will help you be ready to wow the people you want to impress.
• Approach the unapproachable.  If you see someone by themselves or seemingly distant, walk up and introduce yourself.  Instead of being in a foul mood, they may be just as uncomfortable in an unfamiliar setting as you.  Even if they are intimidating, the simple act of surviving the encounter will give you assurance to try to talk to others.
• Try to pinpoint a reason to speak.  Whether it be a nice purse, interesting hairdo, or great pair of shoes, compliment them on it and use that as an opening to a dialogue.  A simple conversation could open the door to furthering your career. 
• Although networking events can be fun, be sure not to cross the line between professional and party.  A bad way to be remembered is for out-of-control behavior at an event.  While it’s fun to have a good time, you are still representing yourself.  You’ve done a lot to cultivate an image, don’t do anything to ruin a good first impression.
• Follow up.  After you’ve made good connections, send a follow up email within a few days expressing your pleasure to meet them.  Mention any memorable part of the conversation, and show your enthusiasm for the opportunity to speak with them.  Consider inviting them to your professional network or add a tasteful plug for yourself if they expressed interest in your work. 
• Be realistic.  Networking is a great way to meet people, but don’t expect instant miracles.  It may take more than one event to feel like you’ve made good connections.  Keep going, and in time, you’ll be networking like a pro.

Pen and paper are also good tools to jot down notes about opportunities you hear directly or indirectly for follow up later.
Leave the skimpy outfits, torn jeans, and wife-beater T-shirts at home.  General rule of thumb: if you have to ask yourself, “Is this professional?” it probably isn't.
Don't oversell or push.  While you met a lot of interesting people, you didn't make any instant best friends.  Even if you are thrilled, keep a cool exterior until any prospect comes to fruition.

Popping a mint or gum is appreciated by all around, but kindly offering it to others can serve as an ice breaker.